BOARD DATE:	  28 October 2014

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140004849 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests, through his Member of Congress, reconsideration of an earlier request to correct his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show he was awarded the Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM).

2.  The applicant states he served in Korea for 15 months and 3 days during 1957 and 1958.

3.  The applicant provides letters from fellow Soldiers he served with during the time in question, letters from friends and family, and photographs taken in Korea.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  Incorporated herein by reference are military records which were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) in Docket Number AR20120022042 on 25 July 2013.

2.  He provided three letters from fellow Soldiers he served with in Korea.  One Soldier states he served with the applicant in the 8th Army and I Corps 1st Field Artillery Observation Battery at Camp St. Barbara, Korea, for 16 months in the years 1957-1958.  Additionally, he provided letters from friends and family members attesting that he served in Korea, and numerous photographs taken in Korea.  This documentation is new evidence that will now be considered by the Board.
3.  His complete military records are not available to the Board for review.  A fire destroyed approximately 18 million service members' records at the National Personnel Records Center in 1973.  It is believed his records were destroyed in that fire; however, there were sufficient documents remaining in a reconstructed record and documentation submitted by him for the Board to conduct a fair and impartial review of this case.

4.  His DD Form 214 shows:

* he was inducted into the Army of the United States on 7 November 1956
* he served as a flash ranging crewman
* he completed 1 year, 3 months, and 3 days of foreign service
* he was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal
* he was honorably released from active duty on 6 November 1958

5.  There is no evidence of record that shows he served in Korea or was assigned to 8th Army or I Corps.

6.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the KDSM is authorized for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea.  The period of eligibility is 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

Although the evidence of record confirms the applicant completed a period of foreign service, there is no specific evidence showing he served a qualifying period in Korea for award of the KDSM.  In the absence of corroborating evidence in the form of military documentation showing he served in Korea, regrettably, the letters and photographs provided by the applicant are not sufficient as a basis for award of this medal.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

__X______  __X______  __X___  DENY APPLICATION


BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis to amend the decision of the ABCMR set forth in Docket Number AR20120022042, dated 25 July 2013.




      ___________X______________
                  CHAIRPERSON
      
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20140004849



3


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20140004849



2


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1